University of Georgia (UGA) vs University of Virginia-Main Campus (UVA)

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two esteemed institutions stand out: the University of Georgia and the University of Virginia-Main Campus. While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set these universities apart. Discover the differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the unique strengths and offerings of each institution to determine which aligns best with your aspirations and goals.

	University of Georgia	University of Virginia-Main Campus
Overview
Location	Athens, Georgia	Charlottesville, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	95.0%	97.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	40.0%	20.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $85
SAT range	1270 - 1450	1380 - 1500
ACT range	29 - 33	32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score	45.0%	52.0%
Students submitting ACT score	40.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	39,229	47,971
Total number of admissions given out	15,685	9,951
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,819	3,889
Yield rate	37.1%	39.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,622 Out of state: $45,662	In state: $36,314 Out of state: $70,696
Average net price	$16,902	$20,401
Tuition	In state: $9,790 Out of state: $28,830	In state: $16,010 Out of state: $49,710
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,292 Meal plan: $4,036	Room/dormitory: $7,110 Meal plan: $5,550
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $11,045	46.0% Average amount $19,612
Students receiving federal student loan	25.0% Average amount $5,227	25.0% Average amount $4,845
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $13,477	6.0% Average amount $11,030

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	30,166 Men 42.0% Women 58.0%	17,294 Men 43.7% Women 56.3%
Graduate students	9,952 Men 38.2% Women 61.8%	8,711 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	17.5%	35.2%
International students	4.8%	8.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	Suburb: Small
Dormitory capacity	10,050	7,645
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York	Virginia New York Maryland Pennsylvania New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Communication and Journalism Education Health Professions Engineering	Business Health Professions Engineering Social Sciences Education
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	87.8%	93.7%
Dropout rate	3.6%	2.3%
Transferred out	7.5%	3.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $107,603 Year 2: $120,325 Year 3: $122,859 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,544 Year 2: $111,283 Year 3: $122,491 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $122,038 Year 3: $117,307 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $71,726 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $92,754 Marketing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $71,513 Year 2: $81,333 Year 3: $91,218 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $87,059 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $85,532 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,138 Year 2: $68,778 Year 3: $79,772 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,908 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $79,190 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $64,622 Year 2: $64,068 Year 3: $78,529 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,002 Year 2: $77,144 Year 3: $77,709	Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $185,710 Year 2: $162,255 Year 3: $193,013 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $157,071 Year 2: $155,263 Year 3: $176,237 Computer Software and Media Applications (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,350 Year 2: $101,406 Year 3: $125,729 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $103,426 Year 2: $107,256 Year 3: $120,362 Systems Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $108,239 Year 2: $95,739 Year 3: $109,956 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $83,639 Year 2: $92,077 Year 3: $108,272 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,682 Year 2: $90,146 Year 3: $101,904 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,602 Year 2: $82,440 Year 3: $95,939 Systems Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $79,487 Year 2: $82,808 Year 3: $94,931 Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,807 Year 2: $70,596 Year 3: $84,597

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between UGA and UVA?

The University of Georgia (UGA) is located in Athens, a vibrant college town in northeast Georgia, offering a classic Southern college experience. The University of Virginia (UVA), located in Charlottesville, Virginia, provides a more historical and architecturally distinct setting, known for its Jeffersonian architecture and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Athens offers a lively music scene and a more laid-back atmosphere, while Charlottesville provides a blend of history, culture, and outdoor activities.
How do UGA and UVA compare in terms of academic reputation and rankings?

Both UGA and UVA are highly regarded public universities. UVA consistently ranks among the top public universities in the nation, often within the top 5, and is known for its strong programs across various disciplines, particularly in law, business, and medicine. UGA is also a strong public university, typically ranking within the top 20-25 public universities, with notable programs in journalism, agriculture, and business. UVA generally has a slightly higher overall ranking, but both offer excellent academic opportunities.
What is the difference in cost of attendance between UGA and UVA?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency. Generally, UGA is more affordable for in-state students compared to UVA. For out-of-state students, UVA tends to be slightly more expensive than UGA, considering tuition, fees, and living expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and specific cost breakdowns based on your residency status.
How do the student bodies at UGA and UVA differ?

UGA has a larger undergraduate student body compared to UVA. UGA draws a significant portion of its students from within Georgia, while UVA attracts a more geographically diverse student population, including a higher percentage of out-of-state and international students. Both universities have a strong sense of community and school spirit, but the larger size of UGA can lead to a more diverse range of student interests and activities.
What are the popular majors and academic strengths at UGA and UVA?

UGA is known for its strong programs in journalism, agriculture, business, and veterinary medicine. UVA excels in law, business, medicine, engineering, and public policy. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, but their areas of particular strength differ slightly. Consider your specific academic interests when evaluating which university aligns best with your goals.
How do the campus cultures and social scenes compare at UGA and UVA?

UGA is known for its strong Greek life and a vibrant social scene centered around its large student body and the city of Athens. UVA has a more traditional and academically focused campus culture, with a strong emphasis on student self-governance and a rich history. While both offer a variety of extracurricular activities and social opportunities, the overall atmosphere differs, with UGA being perceived as more spirited and UVA as more academically rigorous and historically conscious.
What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for UGA and UVA?

UVA is generally more selective than UGA, with a lower acceptance rate. Both universities require strong academic records, including high GPA and standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply, so check their websites). UVA places a greater emphasis on essays and extracurricular activities in the admissions process. UGA also considers these factors, but academic performance is a primary consideration. Aim for high scores and a compelling application to increase your chances of admission to either university.
What career services and alumni networks are available at UGA and UVA?

Both UGA and UVA offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and internship opportunities. UVA's alumni network is particularly strong and well-connected, providing valuable networking opportunities for graduates. UGA also has a large and active alumni network, especially within Georgia and the Southeast. Both universities provide resources to help students transition from college to their chosen careers.
How do UGA and UVA support research opportunities for undergraduate students?

Both UGA and UVA offer various research opportunities for undergraduate students. UVA has a strong emphasis on research across many disciplines, and students can often get involved in research projects with faculty members. UGA also provides research opportunities, particularly in areas like agriculture, science, and engineering. Look into specific departments and faculty members whose research aligns with your interests to explore potential research opportunities at either university.
What are the housing options like at UGA and UVA?

Both UGA and UVA offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories, suite-style housing, and apartment-style living. UGA has a larger residential population, and housing can be competitive, especially for upperclassmen. UVA also has a strong residential community, with a mix of historic and modern housing options. Explore the specific housing options available on each university's website to determine which best suits your preferences and needs.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.